Heraldry and the McCarran Surname

Long before computers fixed spellings, McCarran and McCarron were used side by side. At root, the name means “Son of Ciarán”.

How the spelling arose

Records show McCarran as one of the forms McCarron took over time. Local scribes, dialects and emigration all left their mark on how the name was written. Other spellings include McCarren and McKerron.

Names that sound alike, such as McGauran, are easily confused in old records.

Heraldry and the McCarran name

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the McCarron surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon.

Want more than a summary? See the McCarran family name pack.